Asked how frustrating his team had found life at Stamford Bridge he said: “It is wrong to use the word ‘frustrating’. When one team puts 11 players in the box, it is not simple. So with all that defence it was impressive that we created so many chances.”

He admitted that a point for Real Madrid would as good as end the title race but said the result would not affect his players before the Champions League semi-final second leg. “If we win it will give us a boost ahead of the Chelsea game,” he continued, “but if we don’t get the result then these players are capable of picking themselves up for a different competition to be ready to try to break down the Chelsea defence on Tuesday.”

The Barcelona coach also conceded he had not enjoyed his previous 10 Clásicos against Mourinho, despite only losing once. The 41 year-old said: “I don’t have good memories of these games — neither the victories nor the defeats — there were always other things that took [the focus] away from the football. Good luck to the referee!”

Mourinho can enter La Liga record books at the Nou Camp as the manager of the highest-scoring team in the competition’s history if his side finds the net. Cristiano Ronaldo and co are currently tied on 107 goals with John Toshack’s 1989-90 Madrid side.

“I have never believed that Señor Mourinho’s teams are defensive,” Guardiola added when asked about how the record would not correspond with the former Chelsea manager’s reputation for conservative football.

Cesc Fabregas, Adriano and Alexis Sanchez could drop to the bench as Guardiola looks to bring back Gerard Pique, Pedro and Thiago Alcantara. David Villa, meanwhile, is back in light training but will not be available for selection until next weekend.